In This Blog
- What is SIEM and Why It Matters
- Why Choose Microsoft Sentinel?
- How Sentinel Compares to Other SIEM Solutions
- When to Bring in a Third-Party Monitoring Partner Like Critical Start
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
In cybersecurity, risk is an ongoing concern. While it is impossible to eliminate every threat, organizations can take strategic steps to strengthen their defenses and reduce potential vulnerabilities. One of those steps is implementing a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solution such as Microsoft Sentinel.
In this post, we’ll explore what SIEM is, how Microsoft Sentinel fits into the security landscape, how it compares to other SIEM tools, and when partnering with a third-party monitoring provider like Critical Start makes sense.
What is SIEM and Why It Matters
SIEM solutions help organizations detect, analyze, and respond to security threats by collecting and analyzing data from across the environment. This includes data from servers, cloud workloads, applications, user activity, and more. By consolidating this information, SIEMs provide a centralized view of potential risks and incidents.
Microsoft Sentinel is a cloud-native SIEM solution built within the Azure platform. It extends traditional SIEM capabilities by incorporating Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR), along with AI-driven threat detection. These features help organizations identify and address security concerns more efficiently.
Why Choose Microsoft Sentinel?
There are three main reasons why Microsoft Sentinel is a strong option for many organizations:
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Seamless Azure Integration
Sentinel is built for Azure, which makes it an ideal choice for organizations running workloads in the Microsoft cloud. It integrates easily with tools such as Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Office 365, and Azure Policy. Sentinel also supports compliance with frameworks like PCI, HIPAA, and the Microsoft Cloud Security Benchmark, providing robust support for security best practices, policy enforcement, and threat detection. -
AI-Powered Threat Analysis
Microsoft has invested significantly in AI across its security offerings, including Sentinel. AI capabilities allow for advanced analytics on large datasets, enabling faster detection of potential threats compared to manual analysis. This technology helps organizations respond to incidents more quickly and with greater accuracy. -
Cost-Effectiveness
Sentinel offers competitive pricing, particularly for organizations already using Azure. Costs can vary depending on factors such as reserved capacity versus pay-as-you-go and the volume of data ingested. Generally, Sentinel provides better value compared to alternatives like Splunk, although specific pricing will depend on your environment. Microsoft provides a transparent pricing guide for Sentinel, available here: Microsoft Sentinel Pricing.
How Sentinel Compares to Other SIEM Solutions
Although Sentinel is a strong choice, it is not the only SIEM available. Other prominent solutions include:
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IBM QRadar: Known for analyzing logs from a variety of environments, including servers, workstations, and firewalls.
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Splunk: A popular choice for organizations dealing with big data, though it can be costly.
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LogRhythm: Provides standard SIEM features.
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Exabeam: A cloud-focused SIEM with strong behavioral analytics.
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CrowdStrike Falcon: An AI-first SIEM solution.
Sentinel is particularly effective in Microsoft-centric environments but is also compatible with hybrid and multi-cloud setups. For instance, it is possible to use Sentinel with AWS by leveraging the AWS S3 connector to ingest logs from S3 buckets.
When to Bring in a Third-Party Monitoring Partner Like Critical Start
Deploying a SIEM tool like Sentinel is only part of a comprehensive security strategy. Many organizations lack the in-house expertise or resources to monitor, analyze, and respond to the volume of data these systems generate.
A Managed Detection and Response (MDR) provider like Critical Start can fill this gap. MDR services provide dedicated security analysts who offer real-time monitoring, help prioritize alerts, and deliver rapid incident response. This helps reduce alert fatigue and ensures that genuine threats are addressed promptly.
In addition to MDR, organizations might also explore:
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Cloud Detection and Response (CDR): Focuses on monitoring cloud workloads.
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Network Detection and Response (NDR): Concentrates on network-level threat detection.
These services complement SIEM deployments by adding specialized expertise and continuous monitoring. This is especially valuable considering that many organizations have far fewer security engineers than developers, making it difficult to manage security internally without additional support.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, security is about risk mitigation. Whether your environment includes cloud workloads, on-premises infrastructure, applications, or networks, having the right tools and strategies in place is essential.
Microsoft Sentinel provides a solid foundation for SIEM capabilities, particularly for organizations invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. Microsoft also offers a 30-day trial, giving teams an opportunity to evaluate the solution in their environment.
If you are considering Sentinel, need help with SIEM integration, or want to explore MDR options, the Emergent Software team is here to help. Contact us for a consultation or to request a demo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary benefit of using Microsoft Sentinel in an Azure environment?
The main advantage of Microsoft Sentinel in Azure is its deep integration with the Microsoft ecosystem. It connects easily with services like Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Azure Policy, and Office 365, enabling faster deployment, consistent security coverage, and simplified maintenance. This native alignment streamlines compliance, threat detection, and security monitoring without the need for complex third-party setups. For organizations invested in Azure, Sentinel offers an efficient, secure way to meet security and regulatory requirements.
How does AI improve threat detection in Microsoft Sentinel?
AI enhances Sentinel’s threat detection by analyzing massive datasets from cloud workloads, networks, and endpoints in real time. With machine learning and behavioral analytics, Sentinel can spot patterns and anomalies that indicate threats—often faster and more accurately than human review alone. AI also helps prioritize risks so security teams can address the most urgent issues first. In today’s landscape of automated, sophisticated threats, having AI-driven analysis within your SIEM is a significant edge.
Is Microsoft Sentinel compatible with AWS or other cloud providers?
Yes, Sentinel supports hybrid and multi-cloud environments, not just Azure. While optimized for Microsoft’s ecosystem, it offers pre-built connectors and APIs for AWS, Google Cloud, on-premises data centers, and more. For instance, AWS users can integrate with Sentinel via the S3 connector to centralize log data and security insights. This flexibility makes Sentinel ideal for organizations with diverse cloud and on-prem infrastructures, ensuring comprehensive security monitoring across all environments.
How does Sentinel’s pricing compare to other SIEM solutions like Splunk?
Sentinel tends to be more cost-effective for Azure-centric organizations. It uses a consumption-based pricing model—charging based on data ingested and retained—with options for reserved capacity to reduce costs. By contrast, Splunk often has higher and less transparent pricing, usually requiring direct sales consultation. While Splunk excels in big data analysis, its overall cost can be a barrier. Sentinel’s scalability, Azure integration, and clearer pricing make it an attractive choice, though organizations should still evaluate their specific needs before committing.
When should an organization consider partnering with an MDR provider like Critical Start?
Consider an MDR provider like Critical Start when internal security resources are limited or stretched thin. SIEM platforms like Sentinel can generate a flood of alerts that can overwhelm small teams, especially given the industry shortage of security engineers. MDR providers deliver 24/7 monitoring, threat detection, and expert incident response, reducing alert fatigue and enhancing security coverage. They help organizations stay protected without the overhead of hiring and training a full in-house security team.
Can Sentinel be a complete security solution on its own?
Sentinel is a robust SIEM and SOAR solution, but it isn’t a standalone fix for security. It’s designed for monitoring, detection, and automated response, but effective security also requires layers like endpoint protection, firewalls, vulnerability management, and strong governance. Sentinel works best as part of a comprehensive security strategy, integrated with additional tools and expert partnerships like MDR services. A layered approach ensures broader protection against evolving threats while maintaining system resilience.
